by Dolores Moore

Created on: December 30, 2008

I think it is true to say that the more materially wealthy we become, the more we seem to be robbed of time for simplicity. I mean, once we attain a certain comfortable lifestyle, then we reasonably expect to keep it, maybe even improve it. In the pursuit and maintenance of creature comforts, good living and some luxury, we have lost the knack of enjoying simple pleasures. Dare I voice the opinion that the current financial crisis might have a positive side to it? May I suggest that we might start to focus on how the simpler, non-monetary aspects of life can give more pleasure and honest enjoyment than the most expensive, must-have objects of desire?

For many of us, there has to be a crisis or trauma or huge change to wake us up to the mind-altering perceptions that alter our priorities. I put my "awakening" down to the constant caring for my grand daughter, from birth till aged five. As she became more aware of her world, so too did I. I began to re-learn simple pleasures and my enjoyment grew as my life was enhanced. To see the wonder in a child's eyes when a ladybird climbs up a small finger, is to be given a magical gift, a true pleasure. So what it the floor needs to be washed, the windows cleaned? The moments of pleasure with the ladybird, or the feeding squirrel, the loud crows, far outweigh the benefits of shining windows. Those windows will still be there when the butterflies and birds have flown away. But the memories of the simple moments with a child will last forever.

Little children, with little legs, have to walk more slowly than we adults, who have always rushed here and there, driven by the demands of a busy life. Walk slowly now, look and listen. Answer questions, point out wonders, ask questions too. The greatest enjoyment can be had from the simple sharing of knowledge and of seeing the world as a child does. Enjoyment of simple pleasures is illuminating and rejuvenating; it will lighten your life and free your inner child once more. The world becomes a place of wonder, an endless source of pleasure.

In other circumstances, simple pleasure can be enjoyed by taking time to focus and center on what really makes us happy and relaxed. This might mean a walk on a crisp Autumn morning, where there is nobody else around and the sun is rising. It may be a cup of tea and a good book, feet up, as the winter winds howl down the chimney. It could be a gathering of friends sharing home-made cakes and laughter, once a week. Yet for others, it might mean a run in the park, walking the dog, visiting a sick or lonely person. There are millions of activities out there for our enjoyment.

I think, for me, all the ways to enjoy simple pleasures involve slowing down, thinking, taking stock and just living in the moment. Sometimes, being with others is more pleasurable than being alone, and yet at other times, the complete opposite is true. Which just proves what complex creatures we humans are.

But what remains as an integral part of enjoying simple pleasures is the need to re-focus and re-prioritize. Look at the gifts around us and enjoy them. For the most part, they are free, for the most part, they will enrich our lives. As the poet, William Henry Davies (1871-1940) wrote in his poem "Leisure" (here are the opening and closing lines)

"What is this life if, full of care, / We have to time to stand and stare..."

"A poor life this, if full of care, / We have no time to stand and stare."

Stop, look, listen, embrace and enjoy. We have only one life here, so enjoy it to the full.

Learn more about this author, Dolores Moore.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.